Overview & Reviews

Since its introduction, the Ford Escape has been one of America's best-selling small crossover SUVs. Considering how many other vehicles are available in this segment (many of them well established before the Escape's debut), this may come as a bit of a surprise. But Ford has a keen knack for designing SUVs that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

With the original Escape, Ford successfully combined the styling and four-wheel-drive capability of a traditional SUV with the size, practicality and driving characteristics of a midsize car. For the urban dweller in need of something comfortable, versatile, fun to drive and capable of doing some light-duty off-roading or towing, it fills the bill perfectly. Of course, the Escape's affordability certainly boosted its appeal as well.

Although it received a significant freshening for 2008 that brought notable improvements to the interior, the Escape soldiered on with its original platform until 2013's complete redesign. The latter rebirth vaulted the Escape toward the front of the compact crossover class, as it offers an appealing combination of styling, performance, fuel efficiency, features and comfort. Prior to that overhaul, however, many rival compact SUVs offered more refinement as well as a more rewarding driving experience.

Current Ford Escape
The current Ford Escape stands as one of the top entries in the very competitive compact crossover segment. There are three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. The S comes with full power accessories, air-conditioning, the Sync voice command system, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system. Highlights of the SE include a turbocharged engine, keyless entry keypad, a power driver seat and satellite radio. The Escape Titanium further adds keyless ignition/entry, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an upgraded sound system.

Many of the higher trims' features are available on the lower trims, while other options include a power panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, a navigation system and a Parking Technology package (with automated parallel-parking assist and front and rear parking sensors).

Under the hood is a choice of three engines, all matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Base Escapes come with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Standard on the SE and Titanium is a turbocharged 1.6-liter, 178-hp four-cylinder. The most powerful engine is an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, 240-hp four-cylinder engine. The 1.6 flies the fuel-sipper flag while the 2.0 offers performance on par with a V6 along with higher fuel economy.

In reviews, the newest Ford Escape has impressed our staff with its well-rounded road manners. The 2.5 and 1.6 engines provide adequate thrust, while the 2.0 is downright spirited. The latter flattens hills with less effort than the other two and is quieter and smoother to boot. The Escape can confidently tackle a winding road and the ride, though on the firm side, is compliant enough to take the edge off the bumps and ruts of poorly maintained city streets. Downsides to the new Ford Escape include an unexpectedly high price when fitted with options and the MyFord Touch interface, which is finicky to use.

Used Ford Escape Models
Sharing its basic platform with the highly regarded Focus, the latest Ford Escape debuted for the 2013 model year. Compared to earlier Escapes, it boasts roomier seating, higher-quality materials and a second-row seat that's much easier to fold down compared to before. The latest engine selection and features debuted at this time as well. Since then, there have been only minor updates. In that debut year, Ford offered an intermediate SEL trim level and had the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as standard for the Titanium.

The second-generation Ford Escape was produced from 2008 through 2012. Changes over the first Escape were limited to interior and exterior design. The body adopted Ford's newer styling themes seen in the Edge and Expedition, while the cabin offered a more contemporary look with improved ergonomics and more available luxury features.

The three popular trim levels -- XLS, XLT and Limited -- were once again offered. Standard feature highlights on the XLS included full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and stability control. The XLT added automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power driver seat, while the Limited provided leather upholstery and heated front seats. Option highlights, depending on the year, included dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a navigation system and an automated parallel-parking system.

Any Escape could be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Engine choices were carried over from the previous generation initially, meaning a choice of the 153-hp four-cylinder or the 200-hp V6, and both ran through a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2009 the powertrains were improved greatly, as the four-cylinder made 171 hp while the V6 pumped out 240 hp. Although a five-speed manual transmission could be had on the XLS, it's a rarity and as such, nearly all Escapes used a six-speed automatic. There was also a hybrid version of the Escape, which is covered in a separate review.

In reviews, we've found this Escape's strengths to be its wealth of high-tech features and peppy performance. Downsides included poor braking performance, an awkward-to-fold rear seat and a somewhat dated feel compared to newer rivals. That said, this generation of the Escape (as well as its Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner twins) remains worthy of shoppers interested in a well-rounded compact crossover.

The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001, and its basic exterior and interior design remained unchanged through '07. It was initially available in XLS, XLT and XLT Sport trims that were joined by the leather-lined Limited a few years later. Ford Escapes were equipped with a rather anemic base engine – a 2.0-liter four that made 130 hp -- until '05 when it was replaced by a 2.3-liter four that made 153 hp. This first-generation Escape also offered an optional V6 that made 200 hp. Although the four-cylinder engines could have a five-speed manual, most had the optional four-speed automatic that was standard on the V6.

Considering how many of these Escapes were sold, shoppers should have plenty of opportunities to be choosy and find a used model that suits them. First-year Escapes were tarnished by numerous recall notices. Though likely resolved at this point, going with a 2002 or newer model might be a good idea. Potential buyers of this first generation of Escape should note that its interior materials were of poor quality, with cheap, hard plastics everywhere.

User Reviews:

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  Fun SUV - 2006 Ford Escape
  By cb - March 18 - 9:50 pm

  This is a great little SUV. Its small enough to not feel as cumbersome as many of the larger utes, but still avoids feeling like a "toy", which I did not find to be true of the RAV4 and CR-V I took a look at. We got the Limited with every option except towing and sunroof. Ive never had much use for a sunroof, and if I wanted to tow, I would buy a larger vehicle intended for that type of use. Highly recommend the titanium green color. It maintains a clean appearance longer than many colors, and looks great in sunlight. Overall a very nice vehicle, with surprising options. Highly recommended.

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  My New Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Terry Kobza - March 16 - 9:04 pm

  With less than 600 miles on the car the only real problem I have is the fuel economy. Could use better seats with lumbar adjustment. Also a temperature gauge like my F-150 SuperCrew and a compass. Other than that it seems like a real nice car. My wife drives it and appears pleased. Oh yes. Power disc brakes at least in front, all as standard equipment. Ford I hope you’re reading this.

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  Super SAFE in Snow! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jenny - March 11 - 9:00 pm

  Ive had my Escape AWD for just over a year and have almost 50k miles on it. I love it. It might not be fancy, but it is safe and reliable in just about any situation I come across, from curb jumping in the city to icy rural highways. It has never slipped on me in the snow--I laugh when I see jJeeps sliding off the side of the road and I am still chugging along! Plenty of power to pass going up steep mountains.

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  great small suv - 2006 Ford Escape
  By dennis danner - March 5 - 10:41 am

  My 2006 Escape runs and handles very good for a small suv. it has plenty of power but lacks fuel mileage. it is fun to drive and was great in the snow.

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  Handles well, broke down at 37,000 miles - 2004 Ford Escape
  By forddriver - March 4 - 11:53 am

  Handles well, plenty of storage. The cruise control is well-designed. Handles really well in poor weather, snow, heavy rain, etc. One small blind spot by the side view mirrors, but great visibility compared to other SUVs. Stopped running at 37K miles. Had to replace the MAF (a $325 repair). Didnt like that on a low mile vehicle thats been well-maintained.

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  dont know yet - 2003 Ford Escape
  By benni - March 4 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I bought this vehicle used. Its been ok. Going from a Saturn SL2 to this is pretty amazing. It sits so high. Getting in and out is wonderful. So far we are fine with this suv. I dont like where the windshield wipers are next to the steering wheel. The brakes make a lot of noise other than that it seems like Ford did an ok job with this one we will see in the future.

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  A good, economical SUV to drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By atg61 - March 2 - 11:05 am

  A good, economical SUV to drive and it serves most purposes. Although not a very powerful engine (4 cylinder) it easily makes up for it in fuel economy. Because of its size, it is nimble and can squeeze in spots better than your average SUV yet still is able to hold/transport almost the same amount as bigger SUVs without giving up a lot of space. The base XLS model is no frills but has options that you would not expect. A good value over all and I am quite satisfied.

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  Not too bad, not the best.... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By DMedic911 - February 27 - 9:21 am

  I have owned my Escape LTD for almost two years now and have not had any problems with it. Very comfortable and nice to drive. Not disappointed in my purchase, but would not purchase another one and ready for a change 2 years later. Biggest complaint is gas mileage at an average of 11-12 mpg in the city. I think a full sized truck with a large V8, pulling a motorhome could do better. Resale value not held over two years with only 11k miles.

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  Fun Drive - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rk - February 19 - 2:38 am

  Great SUV. Looked at Jeep liberty, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Nissan Xterra. At 62" I have enough room up front. Good MPG, V6 has good power, easy to drive around town. Road noise and small fuel tank is the only down side on road trips. I had zero problems with the Escape so far.

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  Best small SUV in its CLASS - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robby D - February 17 - 7:49 pm

  Bought the car to help save on gas and boy it sure did so. I havent had any problems whatsoever. This has been the best bang for the my buck to date. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for to save on gas has enough interior room and has all the gadgets that you will need.